Younis not to reconsider T20 retirement

The increasing pressure on him to reconsider retirement from Twenty20 cricket notwithstanding, Pakistan captain Younis Khan on Tuesday made it clear that he will not go back on his decision.

"I had decided before going to the World Cup I would retire no matter what the result. I don't want to be in a situation where I am left out of the team," Younis, who was mobbed by fans at the Karachi airport, said.

"I think now T20 cricket is a very tough form of the game. It saps your energy in 40 overs. It is not easy cricket. I am too old for this type of cricket," he said.

Younis said a relaxed approach was the reason behind his team's World Cup victory.

"I became a more serious captain after the early losses. I realised I had to be serious. I am happy that we could bring so much joy to the people," he said.

"Our strategy was simple. I decided to take the pressure and allow the others to play freely. We gave a free license to Kamran (Akmal) and Shahid (Afridi) and it was decided that if they failed I would go into bat and take the pressure."

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final at Lords on Sunday to spark countrywide celebrations. Younis said he was happy to see youngsters like Mohammad Aamer, Shahzaid Hasan, Fawad Alam and Ahmed Shehzad doing well.

"I feel good that the future of Pakistan cricket is in good hands. I think these youngsters must get more chances in T20 cricket," Younis stated.

"I had a feeling we could go all the way because the body language of the players changed and I knew no one could stop us now from winning the tournament," he added.

Younis said he was happy and proud at winning the World Cup for his countrymen.

"It is satisfying to know you have brought so much joy to your people. They needed something to smile about in these hard times when there are so many problems," he said.

The Pakistan captain was surprised at the statement of former chief selector Abdul Qadir that he would not have picked Younis or Shoaib Malik in his T20 team.

Qadir gave the statement while resigning from his post during the tournament. Younis said he didn't know what was on Qadir's mind.

"It is his own opinion but his resignation and statement were bad timing. It had no effect on me but it did affect Malik who came to me and complained."

Younis said Qadir's statement just spurred him on to do better.

"I am always motivated by challenges and I perform better under pressure," he said.